One of the talking horses of the Cheltenham Festival, No Drama This End, is on course for Perth on Wednesday. Paul Nicholls‘ grey will aim to secure Listed honours to conclude a disappointing second half of his season.
No Drama This End went off favourite for the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. He has been talked of in glowing terms by his trainer, but after missing the start, he and Harry Cobden could never make it into contention. He was ultimately pulled up in a race won by King Rasko Grey.
The six-year-old retains significant potential though. He had won his first three hurdles starts easily. They included the Grade 2 Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown and the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury. Both of those victories were secured with ease, thus the early comparisons to Denman.
For that latter victory, he will carry a 5lb penalty against five potential rivals. Novice chases may await next season, but a confidence boosting win north of the border will leave connections looking on the bright side before the 2026/27 season begins.
Elliott pair among opposition
No Drama This End is the odds-on favourite for the British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle. However, the race, won last year by Kiss Will for Willie Mullins, will be no walkover again this term.
Mullins’ entries are lacking, but his main Irish rival Gordon Elliott has declared two horses. They are Kazansky, who won a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Limerick over Christmas, and Sept Etoiles. Elliott has employed the services of both Bowen brothers for the rides. Sean will partner progressive Listed handicap winner Sept Etoiles, with James aboard Kazansky, who is looking to bounce back from pulling up at Cheltenham.
Dan Skelton has also declared one of his novices to continue his celebratory lap of honour this week. Tormund Giantsbane was well beaten by No Drama This End at Sandown, but has otherwise looked impressive. He once again receives 5lb from Nicholls’ charge.
Nicky Henderson also has a runner in the mix. Blue Run was only seventh on debut, but bounced back to easily win at Southwell. Kim Bailey & Mat Nichols are responsible for the sixth member of the field in Sogna In Grande, unbeaten in two races at Warwick and Wincanton.